A Pennsylvania State University student was shot and killed just steps from his home in South Philadelphia, according to authorities. The victim has been identified as 22-year-old Billy Schmidt, a rising senior at the university. Surveillance video appears to have captured the events of early Saturday morning. The killing has left his family devastated and searching for answers.
Schmidt was walking home after spending time at a local bar, where he had been watching the NBA Finals. As he made his way back, he was on his cell phone. Video obtained by a local ABC station appears to show what happened next on the street. The footage has become a central part of the account of the attack.
According to the account of what took place, the encounter turned deadly in a matter of seconds. One of the men stopped, turned around and opened fire. Schmidt was struck in the chest by the gunfire. The attack happened close to where the young man lived.
The motive, as described, appears to have involved a robbery. After the shooting, the attackers stole Schmidt's phone. He then chased after one of them down the street. When he reached the corner, another man came out and also fired at him.
Despite the efforts to save him, Schmidt did not survive his injuries. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died. His death has stunned those who knew him. At the university, he was remembered as a student with a promising future.
In the aftermath, Schmidt's father became part of the search for evidence. Bill Schmidt said he found his son's cell phone under a nearby car. He then turned the device over to police to assist the investigation. The discovery added another painful detail to an already devastating loss.
The family has spoken openly about their grief and anger over the killing. The father said he wants the two people responsible to be found. Schmidt was studying media and journalism, with what officials described as a promising future ahead. His death has drawn attention to the violence that cut that future short.
In a significant development in the case, two teenagers have been taken into custody in connection with the killing, which authorities have dated to the 6th of June. According to the account given, one of them, aged 16, was arrested in Colorado, while the other, also 16, surrendered to Philadelphia police. Because of their ages, they cannot be identified.
The two are accused of stealing Schmidt's cell phone and then shooting him as they fled, and both are now said to be facing charges in connection with his death. The developments mark a turning point in a case that had left his family searching for those responsible, though the legal process is only beginning and the presumption of innocence continues to apply.